Four dignitaries from the fields of professional, education, commerce & industry and social work were honoured with the ‘New Year award 2008’ organised by the Academy of General Education in Manipal in association with Rotary Club of Udupi and Syndicate Bank for their distinguished service to the society in Manipal on Tuesday. 

Manipal University Pro Chancellor Dr H S Ballal, Karnataka Bank Chairman Ananthakrishna, Yenepoya Group Chairman Abdullah Kunhi and prominent agriculturist, scholar and social worker of  Bantwal Erya Lakshminarayana Alva were the four recipients of the award this year. The awards were presented as a token of tribute to them in appreciation of distinguished work and achievement by each recipient in his or her field of specialisation.

Rotary District 3180 Governor S K Nagendran was the chief guest at the function. Manipal University Chancellor Ramdas M Pai, KMC Dean Sripathi Rao, Registrar of General Education K K Pai, Syndicate Bank General Manager N Prasanna Kumar, ICHS (Manipal University) Executive Director Dr R S P Rao and Rotary Club (Udupi) President Nagaraj Shetty were present on the occasion.